Course Title: Determine best-fit topology for a local network

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2016

Course Code: COSC7360C

Course Title: Determine best-fit topology for a local network

School: 650T Vocational Business Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5341 - Diploma of Information Technology

Course Contact: Val Christou

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5076

Course Contact Email: val.christou@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Radhu Punchnathan radhu@rmit.edu.au

Michael Edwards Michael.edwards@rmit.edu.au
 

Nominal Hours: 20

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to determine the most appropriate way of networking computers to meet user needs and business requirements.

It applies to individuals in senior networking roles who are required to plan the most appropriate topology for a proposed network.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

ICTNWK516 Determine best-fit topology for a local network

Element:

1. Determine user needs

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify the different segments of the proposed network based on business requirements
1.2 Determine segment needs, using network functional analysis
1.3 Estimate traffic content and volumes based on business requirements
1.4 Develop a prioritised organisational network functional matrix

Element:

2. Develop local area network specification

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Determine the resource requirements for each network segment on the basis of functional analysis
2.2 Analyse features of the physical environment for the effect on network design
2.3 Conduct a costing process for possible topology options
2.4 Consider topology options with reference to available resources and network functional matrix
2.5 Select and document appropriate network topology based on business requirements and functional analysis


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

 A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities.
The self-paced activities will be delivered thought various technology platforms and include your contribution to wikis and discussion threads, reflective journals, quizzes and interactive sessions.
The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment.
We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.
 


Teaching Schedule

This course is co-delivered & co-assessed holistically along with ICTNWK517A (COSC7360C) Determine best-fit topology for a local network

The Teaching Schedule for this course is as follows:

Induction Session
Prior to training commencement a program level induction session will be conducted that comprises the following:
• Program overview and requirements
• MyRMIT/Blackboard
• Overview of assessment requirements
• Pre-Training Review including:
o Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfers
o Assessment of current skills and knowledge
• Competency/Grading Criteria
• Plagiarism
• Appeals
• Extensions
• Feedback
• Privacy
• Submission requirements
• Resubmission policy
• Where to get support
• Student responsibilities

Course Delivery:
 

Week

Week Commencing

Topics

Assessment

Competencies Delivered

1

04/07/16

Introduction to the Course including:
• Course requirements
• Course support documents
• Course Blackboard access
• Accuracy of enrolment
• Assessment requirements/Cover Sheets
• Reminder re Plagiarism
• Reminder re Appeals
• Extensions/Resubmissions
• Feedback in this course
• Reminder re submission requirements
• Getting help
Introduction to LAN – Typical components used, Introduction to Packet Tracer

 

2

11/07/16

IP addressing of networks
TCP/IP, Troubleshooting techniques (ipconfig, ping etc.), Creating a basic LAN.

 

3

18/07/16

More on IP addressing , Creating a basic WLAN
Switch configuration and VLAN’s

 

ICTNWK516

ICTNWK517

4

25/07/16

Configuring a LAN, troubleshoot and document

 

ICTNWK516

ICTNWK517

5

01/08/2016

Configuring a LAN, troubleshoot and document

 

ICTNWK516

ICTNWK517

6

08/08/2016

Assessment 1 – Configuring a LAN and WLAN as per business needs.

Assessment 1

ICTNWK516

ICTNWK517

 7

15/08/2016

Resits, Introduction to WAN’s

 

ICTNWK516

ICTNWK517

8

22/08/2016

Routing protocols IP, IPX, AppleTalk. Router operations, double data rate (DDR), RIP, EIGRP, OSPF

 

ICTNWK516

ICTNWK517

Mid-Semester Break 29thAugust-2nd September 2016

9

05/09/16

Configuring a WAN, troubleshoot and document. Assessment 3 - Project stage 1 due.

Assessment 3 - Project Stage 1 due

ICTNWK516

ICTNWK517

10

12/09/16

Configuring a WAN, troubleshoot and document

 

ICTNWK516

ICTNWK517

11

19/09/16

Assessment 2 – Configuring a LAN/WLAN into a WAN as per business needs and constraints.

Assessment 2

ICTNWK516

ICTNWK517

12

26/09/16

Resits, NAT, ACL’s, VPN’s

 

ICTNWK516

ICTNWK517

13

3/10/16

Business considerations - growth projections, capacity planning, High and low speed links, redundancy paths.

 

ICTNWK516

ICTNWK517

14

10/10/16

Response time and reliability requirements, Scope of operations, traffic flow patterns, traffic load and working on projects.

 

ICTNWK516

ICTNWK517

15

17/10/16

Project stage 2 due

Assessment 3 - Project Stage 2 due

ICTNWK516

ICTNWK517

16

24/10/16

Feedback and review

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

There is no prescribed textbook for this course. However the following text is highly recommended:   Lowery, J & Fletcher, M (2011), HTML5 24-Hour Trainer, Wiley Publishing, ISBN 978-0-470-64782-0   This book is pitched at an ideal level for beginning students. It covers and strong in both HTML and CSS and is very up-to-date. It is also quite moderately priced, and comes with some excellent interactive videos on DVD.   Other materials will include worksheets distributed by the teacher in class and various Websites which will be indicated.
 


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

In order to achieve competency in this unit, you must provide:

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

  • analyse business or organisational needs
  • identify the most appropriate local area network (LAN), virtual private network (VPN) or wireless local area network (WLAN) topology
  • document recommendations. 

Knowledge Evidence

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, you must:        

  • summarise the typical network topologies for the following:
    • large and small LANs
    • wide area networks (WANs)
    • VPNs
    • virtual local area networks (VLANs)
    • WLANs
  • identify and describe the typical components of a local network, including:
    • adaptor cards
    • bridges
    • Ethernet hardware
    • gateways
    • hubs
    • routers
  • describe the software and programming requirements of a local network, including:
    • security protocols
    • transmission control protocol or internet protocol (TCP/IP)
  • describe the business consideration for establishing a local network including:
    • growth projections and capacity planning
    • costs and queuing constraints
    • high and low speed links
    • redundancy paths
    • response time and reliability requirements
    • scope of operation
    • traffic flow patterns
    • traffic load
    • application requirements of users
  • outline of installation requirements for local area networks:
    • cabling, particularly unshielded twisted pair (UTP), shielded twisted pair (STP) or optic fibre
    • characteristics and relative strengths and weaknesses of LAN network topologies
    • features and capabilities of current industry accepted hardware and software products
    • features of line sharing protocols.  

Assessment Conditions

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the network industry, and include access to:

  • business requirements
  • equipment specifications
  • organisational and industry costing.

You are advised that you are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate your assessment work to your teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.

Feedback

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions.  You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed. Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.

You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course.       


Assessment Tasks

Please note that the two units ICTNWK516 - Determine best-fit topology for a local network and ICTNWK517 - Determine best-fit topology for a wide area network are co-delivered and co-assessed holistically.

 

Assessment Tasks
You are required to complete 3 Assessments. You must successfully complete all 3 assessments to be deemed competent in this unit.


Assessment 1: (Weeks 6)
Assessment 1 is an in class task where you determine user needs and develop a local area network specification based on the business requirements.
The tasks that need to be done will be a combination of:
• Multiple-choice question.
• Develop network using Packet Tracer and network devices like switches and modems in the lab.


Assessment 2: (Weeks 11)
Assessment 2 is an in class task where you will identify WAN needs and create WAN specifications.
The tasks that need to be done will be a combination of:
• Multiple-choice question.
• Create WAN specifications using packet tracer and a combination of network devices like routers, switches and modems in the lab.
 

Assessment 3: (Week 9 & 15)
In assessment 3 you will submit a project report in two stages, one in week 9 and the final one in week 15.
In stage 1 you will submit a report on:
• Summary of the typical network topology used
• Identify and describe the typical components of a local network
• Describe the software and programming requirements of a local network
In stage 2 of the project you will submit a report:
• Describing the business consideration for establishing a local network
• Outline of installation requirements for local area networks:
• Summarise the typical network topologies for WAN
• Identify and describe the typical components and technologies required for a WAN
• Describe the business consideration for establishing a WAN.
 


Assessment Matrix

The Assessment Matrix that maps all assessments to the critical aspects of evidence, skills, knowledge and elements is available from the teacher.

Other Information


Submission Requirements

You should:

• Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date.
• Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (hard copy and soft copy)
• When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use a cover sheet that includes a declaration and statement of authorship. You must complete, sign and submit a cover sheet with all work you submit for assessment, whether individual or group work. On the cover sheet you declare that the work you are presenting for assessment is your own work. An assignment cover sheet for submission of each assessment task is available on blackboard.
• Each page of your assessment should include footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers. For example, Julie Macpherson, 324567, Task 2, OHS2345C Ensure safe workplace, Page 1 of 10.

Late Submission Procedures


You are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance based assessment is completed by the due dates.
If you are prevented from submitting an assessment item on time, by circumstances outside your control, you may apply in advance to your teacher for an extension to the due date of up to seven calendar days.
More Information: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension
Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf
Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration. Applications for special consideration must be submitted no later than two working days after the assessment task deadline or scheduled examination.
More Information: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=g43abm17hc9w
Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/8a5dgcaqvaes1.pdf
 

Resubmissions (VET Programs):
If you are found to be unsuccessful in a Course Assessment Task you will be allowed one resubmission only. Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission. The highest grade you will receive if your resubmission is successful is “CAG”.
If you are still not meeting the assessment requirements you must apply to your Program Manager in writing outlining the steps you will take to demonstrate competence in your course. Your submission will be considered by the Program Team and you will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.


Adjustments to Assessment
In certain circumstances students may be eligible for an assessment adjustment. For more information about the circumstances under which the assessment arrangements might be granted please access the following website:
More Information: http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=7usdbki1fjf31
 

Marking Guide (Competency):

You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying.

You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you about your progress and how well you are performing.


Marking Guide (Grading)

After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit and you will achieve one of the following grades:

Final Grades table:


CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved – Graded
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment


Further information regarding the application of the grading criteria will be provided by your teacher.
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview